Apparatus for Preventing Electrical Shock in Devices

ABSTRACT

A device for preventing electrical shock from a device with electrical interfaces. A shutter or other barrier associated with the device that physically prevents access or contact to one of the electrical interfaces while another electrical interface is in use.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is a continuation application of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 12/200,591 filed Aug. 28, 2008, entitled “Apparatusfor Preventing Electrical Shock in Devices”, the disclosure of which isincorporated herein in its entirety by reference for all purposes.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. The Field of the Invention

Embodiments of the invention generally relate to preventing users fromreceiving electrical shocks from operating medical devices. Morespecifically, embodiments of the invention relate to systems and methodsfor preventing electrical shock or reducing a risk of electrical shockfrom devices that analyze analytes.

2. The Relevant Technology

Diabetes is a disease that afflicts many people. Fortunately, much hasbeen learned about the disease and today, diabetes can often be managedquite successfully. Managing diabetes often includes attention to bothdiet and exercise. It is also advisable to monitor blood glucose levels.Blood glucose levels can provide valuable information that contributesto the effective management of diabetes.

Monitoring blood glucose levels can be performed several times a day.Each time, a user typically draws a small sample of blood that is placedon a test strip. A measuring device analyzes the blood sample andprovides a measurement of the person's blood glucose level from theblood sample.

In order to monitor or measure the glucose level of the blood sample,the measurement device may provide an electrical interface (e.g. port)that is constructed to receive a test strip and electrically connectwith the test strip. This electrical interface is often exposed to theenvironment, including to the user of the measurement device. Similarly,the measurement device may have other electrical interfaces that may beused to connect the measurement device to a computer or to recharge aninternal battery.

Measurement devices that allow access to electrical circuits can, insome situations, give a user an electrical shock if the user closes thecircuit. More specifically, the electrical circuits of variousmeasurement devices that are accessible via the port used to receive atest strip may be electrically connected to the port used to link orconnect the measurement device to a computer or to recharge an internalbattery.

For safety reasons, it is sometimes necessary to prevent the measurementdevice from being electrically connected to external equipment such as acomputer or power supply when the measurement device is in contact withthe user's body. The proximity of these electrical interfaces and theiruse can result in harm to the device and/or to the user. For example,the user of a measurement device may receive an electrical shock fromthe device if a circuit is inadvertently closed by the user. This couldpotentially occur, for example, when a user performs a finger stick testwhile the device is recharging or uploading data to a computer. In otherwords, current can flow to or from the external device through theperson when they are “connected” to the measurement device.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

These and other limitations are overcome by embodiments of theinvention, which relate to preventing electrical shock in devicesincluding devices used to analyze analytes. Embodiments of the inventioninclude physical barriers that prevent more than one electricalinterface or port from being used at the same time. A physical barrieris configured to effectively cover one port such that the covered portcannot come into contact with the environment including the user whilethe other port is in use.

In an embodiment, the measurement device prevents electrical shocksrelated to use of ports on the measurement device and includes anenclosure that is formed in one end of the device's case or housing. Theports of the device are typically accessible through the enclosure. Ashutter is disposed within the enclosure and is moveable within theenclosure to selectively cover one of the ports.

In certain embodiments, the measurement device includes a first portconfigured to receive a test strip and a second port configured toconnect with a power source or a computer via a cable. An analytedisposed on the test strip is analyzed via the strip port and data isuploaded/downloaded via the second port or the internal battery can becharged through the second port. In this example, a shutter is connectedto or integrated with the device and configured to move at least betweena first position and a second position. In the first position, the firstport is physically covered and in the second position, the second portis physically covered. In other words, the shutter can provide aphysical barrier to at least one of the ports while the other port isused. In a certain embodiment, the shutter may also be placed in aposition such that access to both ports is simultaneously barred by theshutter.

In other embodiments, the apparatus for preventing shock from ameasurement device includes a cable configured to connect themeasurement device with a computer or a power source to recharge theinternal battery. A connector on an end of the cable is configured tointerface with a computer port of the measurement device. The devicealso includes a barrier disposed around the connector. The barrier maydefine a cavity with a perimeter that substantially matches acorresponding perimeter or outline of the measurement device. Whenconnected with the measurement device, an end of the measurement deviceoccupies the cavity when the connector is inserted into the port. Also,the barrier prevents access to a strip port of the device when theconnector is inserted into the computer port.

These and other advantages and features of the present invention willbecome more fully apparent from the following description and appendedclaims, or may be learned by the practice of the invention as set forthhereinafter.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

To further clarify the above and other advantages and features of thepresent invention, a more particular description of the invention willbe rendered by reference to specific embodiments thereof which areillustrated in the appended drawings. It is appreciated that thesedrawings depict only illustrated embodiments of the invention and aretherefore not to be considered limiting of its scope. The invention willbe described and explained with additional specificity and detailthrough the use of the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1A illustrates a perspective view of a measurement device and aphysical barrier that reduces the risk of electrical shock from thedevice by preventing simultaneous access to the ports or electricalinterfaces of the measurement device;

FIG. 1B illustrates a perspective view of a measurement device with aphysical barrier that covers both ports at the same time;

FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of a measurement device with ashutter whose position can be arranged to provide a physical barrier toan electrical interface of the device while allowing access to anotherelectrical interface of the measurement device;

FIG. 3 illustrates another view of a measurement device with a shutterwhose position can be arranged to enable access to only one electricalinterface of the measurement device at a time;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a shutter arrangementthat provides a physical barrier to an electrical interface of ameasurement device;

FIG. 5 illustrates another embodiment of a shutter arrangement thatprovides a physical barrier to an electrical interface of a measurementdevice;

FIGS. 6A and 6B illustrates a certain embodiment of a shutterarrangement that includes a mechanical bias to maintain the shutter in adefault position;

FIG. 7 illustrates a certain embodiment of a shutter that controlsaccess to electrical interfaces of a device;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a physical barrier that is integratedwith a cable that is connected with a port of a measurement device;

FIG. 9A illustrates a perspective view of a physical barrier integratedwith a cable that is not connected with a port of a measurement device;

FIG. 9B illustrates another perspective view of a physical barrierintegrated with a cable;

FIG. 10 illustrates another embodiment of a physical barrier to preventaccess to an electrical interface of a measurement device while anotherelectrical interface is in use;

FIG. 11 illustrates an embodiment of an electrical interface thatincludes both a test strip port and a computer or recharge port;

FIG. 12A illustrates one embodiment of a cable that provides a physicalbarrier to at least one of the ports while another port is used;

FIG. 12B illustrates one embodiment of a cable with a plug that providesa physical barrier to a port on a measurement device;

FIG. 12C illustrates the cable of FIG. 12B connected with a measurementdevice;

FIG. 12D illustrates ports that are configured such that access to oneport is hindered when using conventional connectors;

FIG. 13 illustrates another embodiment ports in a measurement devicethat are arranged to facilitate bar access to one port while anotherport is in use; and

FIGS. 14A and 14B illustrate a connector that interfaces with a bloodglucose port.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

Measurement devices are often used to provide analysis of various typesof analytes. Self monitoring blood glucose (SMBG) and continuous glucosemonitoring (CGM) devices, for example, are examples of measurementdevices that are often employed to measure the blood glucose level of auser from a small sample of blood. The information obtained from theanalysis of the user's blood sample or from a history of blood glucosemeasurements can be used to diagnose, treat, or control diseases such asdiabetes. Tracking the blood glucose level of a user over time, forexample, can provide insight into the progression of diabetes, theeffectiveness of the treatment received, and the like. Changes in theresults of the analysis performed by the measurement device can allowthe user's treatment to be altered accordingly.

To make this process easier, many measurement devices have the abilityto interface with a computer such that the results of the analysis canbe automatically recorded and stored on the computer. In addition toutilizing a port to interface with a computer to record and storeresults, the port can be used to recharge the internal battery of thedevice.

In order to perform these functions, the measurement device often hascircuitry that is used to perform the analysis of the analyte, circuitryto interface with the computer to upload the results of the analysis,and circuitry to recharge the internal battery. Embodiments of theinvention relate to systems and methods for preventing a user from beingelectrically shocked while these functions, among others, are performed.More specifically, embodiments of the invention relate to systems andmethods including physical barriers that cover or block access toelectrical interfaces to prevent a user from electrical shock whileusing the measurement device. The physical barrier may be movable suchthat certain interfaces can be exposed for use while other interfacesare covered to prevent or minimize, among other things, electricalshock.

Embodiments of the invention include shutters that act as physicalbarriers to the ports of the device. For example, the shutter may blockaccess to one port while allowing access to another port. The shuttercan also be configured to block access to more than one port at a time,such as, for example, when the device is not being used to measure bloodglucose level or connected to another device. A shutter that isconfigured to cover more than one port in a particular position has theadditional benefit of protecting both ports from environmental factorsincluding, but not limited to, dust and water at the same time. In thisconfiguration, the shutter can be moved to uncover a particular portwhile the other port remains covered.

In addition, the strips or connectors can be configured to interfacewith a given port in a manner that blocks access to one port whileaccessing another port. For example, the plug of a connector may beconfigured to physically block access to one port while electricallyinterfacing with another port. In another embodiment, the device mayinclude a single port that is mechanically and/or electricallyconfigured to interface with both a test strip and a power connector orcomputer cable.

The risk of electrical shock, as indicated above, partially stems fromthe external accessibility of the device's electrical interfaces. Ameasurement device may include, for instance, a port for receiving teststrips and a port for connecting or linking to a computer or receivingpower form an external power source. These electrical interfaces areoften exposed to the environment and are often in contact with a user.To prevent electrical shock or minimize the risk of electrical shock,the measurement device may include a physical barrier configured toprevent physical contact with at least one of the ports while anotherport is in use. A physical barrier prevents contact with the port,thereby ensuring that the physically isolated port is not a source orpart of the conduction path of an electrical shock.

Embodiments of the invention may include a shutter arrangement thatprovides a physical barrier. Because a measurement device may bemanufactured using a wide variety of different form factors, the shutterarrangement disclosed herein can take various forms and can be adaptedto the form factor of the specific device and the locations of theelectrical interfaces. One of skill in the art, with the benefit of thepresent disclosure, can appreciate the applicability of the invention tovarious form factors of measurement devices.

Embodiments of the shutter arrangement or physical barrier can beintegrated with the measurement device and can be manually and/orautomatically operated. In some embodiments, the physical barrier can beintegrated into a separate device, such as the cable that connects themeasurement device with the computer or exterior power source. Ingeneral, however, the physical barrier may be configured to physicallyprevent access to at least one electrical interface. Alternatively, thephysical barrier may enable access or physical contact to only oneelectrical interface at a time. Advantageously, the shutter arrangementor physical barrier is more effective than conventional softwaresolutions, which still have a risk of electrical shock because the usermay only be given a visual warning of a potential electrical shock.

As described herein, the physical barrier may prevent simultaneousaccess to multiple electrical interfaces. By providing a physicalbarrier, electrical shock can be eliminated. Alternatively, the risk ofelectrical shock can be reduced by physically barring access to at leastone electrical interface. The barrier can also be configured to blockaccess to all ports in a default position until it is moved to allowaccess to one (and only one) port for immediate use in one embodiment.

FIG. 1A illustrates an embodiment of a measuring device 100. Themeasuring device 100 may include a display 102 and a user interface 104.The display 102 may be used to display results of an analysis of ananalyte performed by the device 100. For instance, the measurementdevice 100 may be a blood glucose meter that measures the blood glucoselevel from a blood sample. The blood glucose level is then displayed onthe display 102. The measured blood glucose level can be stored on thedevice for upload to a computer at a later time.

The device 100 may include one or more electrical interfaces. A port106, is one example of an electrical interface. The port 106 may beconfigured to receive a test strip 150 and electrically connect with thetest strip 150. Typically, the test strip 150 is inserted into the port106 and then loaded with an adequate blood sample. Once the test strip150 is properly inserted in the port 106 and a blood sample is properlytransferred to the test strip 150, the device 100 measures the bloodglucose level in the blood sample and displays the result on the display102.

The device 100 may also include a second electrical interface, which isillustrated as a computer port 108 in FIG. 1A. The port 108 can be usedto connect the device 100 to a computer or to a power source. In someinstances, the computer also serves as the power source for the deviceand also provides the energy needed to recharge the power source of thedevice 100. Because both the port 106 and the port 108 are located onthe outside of the device 100 or are externally accessible to a user,the circuitry associated with the ports 106 and 108 can come intocontact with the environment including the user as previously stated.This type of contact, in certain instances, can result in an electricalshock to the user and may have other consequences such as device failureor data corruption.

FIG. 1A further illustrates a shutter 110, which is one example of aphysical barrier. The shutter 110 is configured to physically prevent orblock at least one of the electrical interfaces (e.g., the port 106and/or the port 108) from contact with the environment, including theuser. The shutter 110 may ensure that only one of the ports 106 and 108can be used at a time. The shutter 110 provides a physical barrier toone of the ports while the other port is available for use. Forinstance, the port 106 may be covered or blocked by the shutter 110, ora portion thereof, while the port 108 is accessible. Alternatively, theport 106 may be available when the port 108 is covered or blocked by theshutter 110 or by at least a portion of the shutter 110. The shutter 110may not completely cover the port 106, but may still prevent electricalcontact with the port 106.

FIG. 1A illustrates that the shutter 110 may be flexible and able toadapt to device configurations that place ports on different sides orsurfaces of the device 100. The shutter 110 may be formed of aninsulating or non-conducting material such that it does not interferewith the electrical function of the port 106 or the port 108. By way ofexample only, the shutter 110 may be formed of polyethylene orpolypropylene or any other plastic or suitable material.

FIG. 1B is similar to FIG. 1A, but illustrates another example of ashutter 110 a. In this example, the shutter 110 a is configured suchthat is able to cover both the port 106 and the port 108 at the sametime. Sliding the shutter 110 a in one direction or another can expose aparticular port while the other port remains covered. In a certainembodiment, the shutter 110 a is biased such that both ports 106 and 108are covered by default. After a user performs an analysis using the port106 or connects the device 100 to a computer using the port 108, theshutter 110 a returns to the default position illustrated in FIG. 1Bautomatically because of the bias. The shutter 110 a illustrated in FIG.1B can protect both ports 106 and 108 from ingress of water, dirt, orother contaminants when the device 100 is not is use by covering both ofthe ports 106 and 108.

FIG. 2 illustrates another illustration of the measurement device 100with a shutter 110 or a shutter 110 a. In this example, the shutter 110is in a first position covering the port 106 while the port 108 isuncovered. When the shutter 110 is in this position, the measurementdevice may be connected to another device such as a computer or powersource via the port 108 (e.g., a USB port), which remains accessiblewhile the port 106 is covered or blocked. While connected to thecomputer, for instance, in this manner via the port 108, the device canupload/download information or other data such as firmware or analysisdata, charge the rechargeable batteries, and the like. The shutter 110prevents a user from using the measurement device 100 to perform a bloodglucose level measurement while the port 108 is in use and prevents theuser from being electrically shocked by physically barring access to theport 106.

FIG. 3 illustrates the shutter 110 in a second position. In thisexample, at least a portion of the shutter 110 is covering the port 108while the port 106 is uncovered or accessible. In this position, themeasurement device 100 may be used to measure blood glucose levels whilethe shutter 110 physically prevents the measuring device 100 from beingconnected to a computer or other device via the port 108.

As previously mentioned, the location and configuration of the shutter110 may depend on the form factor of the device 100. Thus, the shutter110 can be located on or be configured to adapt to one or more surfacesor sides of the device 100. In this example, the shutter 110 is locatedon the side surface of the device 100. When the shutter 110 moves fromcovering the port 108 to covering the port 106, the shutter 110 adaptsaccording to the form factor of the device 100. In FIGS. 2 and 3, theshutter 110 moves from a first side of the device to a second side ofthe device. The device 100 may have a track or other guiding structurethat directs the shutter 110 from one position to another position.

Advantageously, the corner of the device 100 can aid in retaining theshutter 110 in either the first or second position as some force may beneeded to slide the shutter 110 from one position to another position.In addition, the operation of the shutter 110 can be manual, automatic,or partially automatic. For example, a user may manually move theshutter 110 from the first position to the second position. In anotherembodiment, the insertion of a cable into the port 108 may cause theshutter 110 to automatically move to cover or block the port 106

FIG. 4 illustrates one embodiment of a shutter arrangement that includesa physical barrier such as the shutter 110. In this illustration, thedevice 100 has an end with electrical interfaces represented by theports 106 and 108. In this example, the ports 106 and 108 are on thesame side of the device 100. The port 106 may be configured to receivetest strips while the port 108 may be configured to interface withanother device such as a computer or a power source via a cable.

In FIG. 4, the shutter 110 is covering or physically barring the port106 (shown in dotted lines) while the port 108 is exposed and accessiblefor use. The shutter 110 may physically prevent a user from contactingthe port 106 by blocking the port. Sliding the shutter 110 in thedirections of arrow 122 allows one of the ports 106 and 108 to becovered while the other is exposed or accessible for use. As a result,the position of the shutter 110 can impact the use of the device 100.

In FIG. 4, shutter arrangement of the device 100 is configured with anenclosure 124. The shutter 110 may be disposed within the enclosure 124such that the shutter 110 becomes an integral part of the device 110. Inone embodiment, the shutter 110 may by intended to remain inside theenclosure 124. To keep the shutter 110 inside the enclosure 124, rails116 and 118 have been formed into an end of a case or housing of thedevice 110. The rails 116 and 118 may alternatively form a track thatcooperates with an engagement portion 138 of the shutter 110. In oneembodiment, the engagement portion 138 fits within the track such thatthe shutter 110 can slide in the directions indicated by the arrow 122.The track formed by the rails 116 and 118 guides the shutter 110 as theshutter 110 slides from a position where the port 106 is covered to aposition where the port 108 is covered. As previously indicated, theshutter 110 may be placed in a position where both the ports 106 and 108are covered.

The rails 116 and 118 may be a single rail system or a dual rail system.In a single rail system, the shutter 110 is held within the enclosure124 between the rails 116, 118 and the surface 146 of the device 100.The track in this example is formed by the surface 146 and the rails 116and 118. In this example, the surface may be used, via friction, to holdthe shutter in any particular position. In a certain embodiment, an endthe enclosure 124 may be configured to form an interference fit with theshutter 110 when the shutter 110 is in specific positions. For example,an interference fit may be used to keep the shutter 110 in a defaultposition.

In one example of a dual rail system, the engagement portion 138 of theshutter 110 is held by the rails 116 and 118. In other words, a portionof the rail 116 and 118 is between the shutter 110 and the surface 146.In this example, a dual rail system may hold the shutter 110 is aparticular position relative to the ports 106 and 108. In this example,the rails 116 and 118 can hold the shutter 110 a short distance awayfrom the surface 146 such that the ports 106 and 108 do not interfere orinhibit movement of the shutter 110 between the various positions as itslides within the enclosure 124.

The housing or case 136 of the device 100 may be molded plastic, metal,or other suitable material or any combination thereof. The mold ormachinery used for form the case 136 may be set to create the enclosure124 and may be formed, by way of example only, in two halves that arejoined during manufacture. The shutter 110 may be placed in theenclosure 124 before the two halves of the case are connected together.Alternatively, the shutter 110 may have sufficient flexibility to permitthe shutter 110 to be installed in the enclosure 124 after the case 136is formed.

In this example, the end of the case 136 extends out laterally from thetop and bottom surfaces to form the enclosure 124. In one embodiment,the enclosure 124 may not occupy an entire end of the device 100. Inthis example, the surface 132 is formed such that the surface 132smoothly transitions to the outer surfaces of the rails 116 and 118. Inone example, the exterior surface 132 of the end of the device 100includes the rails 116 and 118.

The enclosure 124 may be formed by the surface 120 and the rails 116 and118. The enclosure 124 is then bounded by the surface 146 that is insetrelative to the surface 132. The rails 116 and 118 may have a heightthat is sufficient to retain the shutter 110 inside the enclosure 124 orinside the track formed by the rails 116 and 118 while permitting accessto the shutter 110 through the opening 126. The opening 126 between therails 116 and 118 is sufficient to allow a user to slide the shutter 110back and forth with a finger, for example. The opening 126 is also sizedand configured to allow the test strips to be inserted into the port 106and to allow a cable to be inserted into the port 108 easily. Theopening 126 has dimensions that allow the test strips and/or cableconnector to be inserted into the corresponding interfaces. Optionally,the shutter 110 may have a handle (e.g., the handle 112 shown in FIG.1A) that allows the user to move the shutter 110 more easily from afirst position to a second position or to any other position within theenclosure 124.

In addition, the enclosure 124 and shutter 110 may have a configurationto ensure that one of the ports remains covered during use or to insurethat access to at least one port is barred or to prevent electricalcontact with the covered port. For instance, the insertion of a cableinto the port 108 may constrict the lateral movement of the shutter 110within the enclosure 124 such that the port 106 remains covered. Inother words, the cable may act as a stop that prevents or limits lateralmovement of the shutter 110 such that the port 106 remains covered orblocked as long as the cable is connected with the port 108. Similarly,a test strip 150 inserted into the strip port 106 may also act as a stopto prevent the port 108 from being uncovered.

Alternatively, the shutter 110 may have a friction fit inside theenclosure 124 that holds the shutter in a particular position yet allowsa user to move the shutter 110 as needed from one position to anotherposition. For example, the end portions 114 of the enclosure 124 may benarrower than a thickness of the shutter 110 or have about the samethickness of the shutter 110. As the shutter 110 is moved into aparticular position, the friction between the end portion of theenclosure 124 and the shutter 110 may hold the shutter in a particularposition. The shutter 110 thus forms a physical barrier that permitsaccess to only one of the ports 106 and 108 at a time and preventselectrical shock.

The orientation of the shutter 110 or other physical barrier can varyaccording to the placement of the ports 106 and 108 on a given device100. As a result, the shutter 110 may move side-to-side or up-and-downrelative to the ports. As previously mentioned, the shutter 110 may movefrom one side or surface of the device to another side or surface of thedevice. The structure of the enclosure 124 can be adapted such that theshutter 110 can be moved to cover or electrically block at least oneport. In situations where the ports are not on the same side of thedevice or not in the same surface planes (e.g., as illustrated in FIG.1A), the shutter 110 may have a flexibility to accommodate the relativepositions of the ports 106 and 108. In addition, the enclosure 124 maybe shaped to accommodate the various surface planes. FIG. 1A, forexample, illustrates that the shutter 110 is able to deform to bendaround a corner of the device 100 in order to accommodate ports that arein different surface planes or sides of the device 100.

In a certain embodiment illustrated in FIG. 5, the shutter 110 mayinclude a tab 130 extending laterally from a body of the shutter 110.The tab 130 may be positioned to extend out of a slot 128 that is formedin the case 136 of the device 100. In this example, the enclosure 124encases the shutter 110, but the tab 130 may be used to slide theshutter 110 from one position to another position. The opening 126 inFIG. 5 may be limited in size to openings that are sufficient to provideaccess to the ports 106 and 108. The surface 132 on the end of thedevice 100 provides access to the ports 106 and 108 through the opening126. The ports 106 and 108 are inset from the exterior surface 132 ofthe device 100 such that the shutter 110 has clearance to slide betweenat least two positions and prevent access to at least one of the ports106 and 108. In this example, the rails that define a portion of theenclosure 124 may be shaped to permit access to the ports 106 and 108.

FIGS. 6A and 6B illustrates another embodiment of the shutter 110. Inthis example, the device includes a bias mechanism 134 that biases theshutter 110 in a particular or default position. In this example, thebias mechanism 134, such as a small spring, causes the strip port 106 tobe available for use by default by pulling against the bias engagement148. The bias mechanism 134 is located inside the enclosure 124 in thisexample. The bias mechanism 134 may be placed between the shutter 110and a wall of the case 136. The case 136 may have structure toaccommodate the bias mechanism 134 and the expansion or contraction ofthe bias mechanism 134. Thus, the bias mechanism 134 can be above theshutter 110 or by the side of the shutter 110 or in another location.

Movement of the shutter 110 to cover the port 106, as illustrated inFIG. 6A, extends the bias mechanism 134. The force exerted by theextended bias mechanism 134 returns the shutter 110 to the defaultposition when the shutter is released. When the device is connected to acomputer via cable, the shutter may be moved against the bias mechanism134 to allow insertion of the cable. Once the shutter is then released,the bias mechanism 134 attempts to push or pull the shutter 110 back toa default position. Once the cable is inserted into the port 108, thecable may act as a stop to ensure that the port 106 remains covered andprevent the shutter 110 from returning to the default position. In thisexample, the bias mechanism 134 automatically uncovers the port 106 andcovers the port 108 when the cable is removed. This advantageouslyleaves the port used for test strips to be open and accessible bydefault.

One of skill in the art, with the benefit of the present disclosure, canappreciate that the bias mechanism 134 can be configured in differentarrangements to keep shutter 110 is a default position. For example, theshutter 110 and ports 106 and 108 can be designed so that the shutter110 would cover both of the ports 106 and 108 in its resting or defaultposition. The shutter 110 can be moved to allow access to either 106 or108 (but not both) at the desired time. This arrangement could offer ahigher degree of protection against dust and moisture ingress as bothports would be covered unless actively in use.

FIG. 7 illustrates another embodiment of a physical barrier, which isillustrated as a shutter 160. In FIG. 7, the shutter 160 may beconfigured to connect to the external surface of the device 100 or tothe end of the device 100. In this example, the shutter 160 has curvedends or formed ends that cooperate with a groove 144 formed in the caseof the device 100. The shutter 160 can have sufficient stiffness suchthat the shutter 160 is difficult to remove from the end of the device100, but is formed to facilitate movement relative to the groove 144.The shutter 110 can slide along the groove 144 (formed on opposite sidesof the device in one embodiment) to selectively cover or block access toone of the ports 106 and 108. The groove 144 typically does not extendall the way across the device 100 to prevent the shutter 110 fromdisengaging from the device 100. Thus, the ends of the groove 144 actsas a stop to constrain movement of the shutter 160 relative to the ports106 and 108. When a cable is inserted in the port 108, for instance, theend of the groove 144 and the cable can retain the shutter 160 in aposition to prevent access to the port 106.

The shutter 160 also includes clamps 140 that hold the shutter 160 onthe end of the device 100. The clamps 140 may be shaped to follow thecontours or outline of the device 100. The clamps 140 may come intocontact with the device 100. Thus, the clamps 140 may be curved for acurved device form factor, square for a square device form factor, andthe like. This allows the shutter 160 to have a small footprint whileresting flush against the external surface of the device and be able toslide along the surface 132 of the device 100. When a cable is insertedinto the port 108, the cable may act as a stop to prevent the port 106from being uncovered. A stop 142 (e.g., the end of the groove) may beformed on both sides of the device 100 to retain the shutter 160 insidethe grooves 144. As a result, the stop 144 and the cable may restrictlateral movement of the shutter 110 when access to port 106 is required.Similarly, a test strip and the stop 142 may also act to restrictlateral movement of the shutter when access to port 108 is needed. Atthe same time, the shutter 160 prevents physical access or contact tothe port not in use. Although the ports 108 and 106 are illustrated asbeing inset from the surface 132 of the device 100, one of skill in theart can appreciate that the port 106 and 108 may be flush with thesurface 132 of the device 100.

FIGS. 8, 9A and 9B illustrate another embodiment of a physical barrier206 to prevent electrical shock from a measurement device or while usinga measurement device. FIG. 8 illustrates the physical barrier whenconnected to a device and FIGS. 9A-9B illustrates the physical barrierwhen disconnected from the device. The measurement device 200illustrated in FIG. 8 may include a display 202 and a user interface204. One of skill in the art can appreciate that the form factor of themeasurement device and capabilities of the measurement device can varyand that the physical barrier described herein can be adapted to thoseform factors.

In FIGS. 8, 9A and 9B, the physical barrier 206 can be an integral partof the cable 208 and permanently connected to the cable 208. Permanentlyconnecting the physical barrier 206 with the cable 208 insures that thephysical barrier is used with the device and thus prevents electricalshock. The cable 208 includes a barrier 206 that is connected on a grip210 of the cable 208. In one embodiment, the barrier 206 is permanentlyconnected to the end of the cable 208. The barrier 206 and the grip 210,for example, may be integrally molded or fixed with thermal bonding,adhesives, and the like. The barrier 206 includes a body 214 that may bemolded or formed to have a particular shape that allows the barrier 206to prevent access to at least one port and, in some embodiments, providestability to the connection between the cable 208 and the device 200.The cable 208 passes through the physical barrier 206 at insertion point212. When the cable 208 is connected with the device 200, as shown inFIG. 8, the barrier 206 is configured to prevent access to other portsincluding the strip port while the connector on the end of the cable 208is connected to the computer port of the device 200. More specifically,the barrier 206 in this example completely encompasses an end of thedevice 200 including any other ports. As a result, access to the otherports is barred.

The barrier 206 can take a plurality of different configuration that areadapted to the form factor of the device 200. In general, the physicalbarrier may include a port cover that covers at least the strip portwhen the connector 216 is inserted into a corresponding port on thedevice 200. In this example, the body 214 forms a cradle or shroud thatcovers an end portion of the device 200, including the strip port andother ports of the device 200, when the connector 216 is inserted into acorresponding port on the device 200, as shown in FIG. 8. The body 214is typically configured such that at least a portion of the body 214covers the strip port. As a result, a strip port that is on a differentside of the device than the computer port is still physically covered bythe barrier 206 when connected.

The physical barrier to the strip port may be achieved by forming thebody 214 to conform with the form factor of the device 200. In thisexample and as illustrated in FIG. 9A, the barrier 206 includes aperimeter 222 that corresponds to a perimeter of the device 200 andpermits the device 200 to be inserted into the cavity 228 of the body214. The perimeter 222 is typically larger than the perimeter of thedevice 200 to permit the device to fit within the cavity 228. The body214 may have indentations 226 or other configurations to conform withthe form factor of the device 200. In another embodiment, the body 214may include an engagement structure 230 that allows the barrier 206 toengage a corresponding structure on the device 200 and securely hold thebarrier 206 in a connected position. By way of example, the engagementstructure 230 may be a clip that provides sufficient force to connectthe barrier 206 with the end of the device 200. The engagement structure230 can provide additional mechanical connection and stability when thebarrier 206 is connected with the device 200.

FIG. 9B illustrates another perspective view of the barrier 206. FIG. 9Billustrates that the body 214 of the barrier 206 is formed to cooperatewith an end of the device 200. In this example, the grip 210 of thecable 208 may include ridges 230, which can facilitate the insertion andremoval of the barrier 206 with respect to a device 200. The grip 210 inthis example is configured to provide a visual indicator to a user ofwhere to grip the barrier 206 when inserting or removing the barrier206. In addition, the grip 210 may have a shape that is configured tohelp a user grasp the barrier 206 during insertion or removal of thebarrier 206 relative to a measuring device.

FIG. 10 illustrates another embodiment of the barrier 250. In thisexample, the connector 252 extends through the barrier 250, with thecable extending from the other side of the barrier 250. The barrier 250also includes a plug 254 located such that the plug 254 interfaces witha strip port of a device when the connector 252 is inserted in acomputer port of the same device. In this manner, the plug 24 and/or aportion of a body 256 of the barrier 250 prevents access to the stripport of the device. The plug 254 may be sufficient to block the stripport or may provide an alignment feature to properly connect the barrier250 with a device.

FIG. 11 illustrates one embodiment of a measurement device 300 with aunified interface 302. The interface 302, in this example, providesaccess to both the port 306 and the port 308. In one embodiment, theinterface 302 includes a single electrical interface that is configuredto receive both a test strip 150 and a computer or power connector. Thephysical arrangement of this interface 302 of port 306 relative to theport 308 prevents a user from using the device, for example, to bothperform a glucose test measurement and connect to a computer or powersource. In one embodiment, the close proximity of the port 306 and theport 308 prevents both ports from being used simultaneously.

When the interface 302 includes both the port 306 and the port 308, thecable 310 illustrated in FIG. 12A can provide a physical barrier toprevent electrical shock. In FIG. 12A, the cable includes a connector312 that is configured to connect with the port 308. The cable 310 alsoincludes shroud 316 with a raised barrier portion 314 that is configuredto cover the port 306 when the cable 310 is connected with the device300 and the connector 312 is inserted into port 308. The barrier portion314 extends up from the connector 312 a sufficient height to cover theport 306 when connected. The unified interface 302 has an opening thatcan receive the cable 310 and cooperate with the barrier portion 314 tobar access to the port 306 during user of the port 308

FIG. 12B illustrates an embodiment of a cable 310 a with a shroud 318that includes a connector 312 and a plug 320 that extends out from thebarrier portion 314. In this example, the plug 320 is configured to beinserted into the port 306 when the connector 312 is inserted into theport 308. The plug 320 is typically non-conductive, and prevents a stripfrom being inserted into the port 306. FIG. 12C illustrates the cable310 a when connected with the device 300. As shown, the plug 320extending laterally from the shroud 318 is inserted into the port 306when the connector 312 of the cable 310 a is connected to the device300.

FIG. 12D illustrates an example of a conventional cable 350 that isinserted into a port 308. In this example, however, the ports 306 and308 of the interface 302 are configured such that the insertion of thecable 350 hinders or blocks access to the port 306. A user is unable toaccess the port 306 because of the proximity or relative positioning ofthe ports 306 and 308. Hindering access, in this example, can prevent auser from using both ports at the same time and thereby preventelectrical shock.

FIG. 13 illustrates an example of inserting a test strip 150 into theinterface 302 of the device 300. In this example, the port 306 is angledwith respect to the port 308. Because the port 306 is angled, the teststrip 150 at least partially covers the port 308. The test strip 150prevents the port 308 from connecting with a connector in this example.The angling of one or more of the ports can effectively prevent or atleast hinder simultaneous use of both ports 306 and 308. The angle mayprevent a user from being able to insert a cable's connector into theport 308 without first removing the test strip. The angling of the port306 (or alternatively of the port 308) effectively prevents both ports306 and 308 from being used simultaneously. Further, the angle betweenthe test strip 150 and the interface 302 may prevent or hinder the userfrom physically contacting the port 308 while using the port 306.

FIGS. 14A and 14B illustrate an example of a port 406 that is configuredto interface with both a test strip and a cable connector. FIGS. 14A and14B illustrate a connector 400 that interfaces with the port 406, whichcan also receive test strips. The connector 400 ensures that the deviceis used only for one function at a time. Thus, the connector 400 ensuresthat the device is used for analyzing a blood sample or for transferringdata/charging purposes. In a certain embodiment, the port 406 isconfigured such that a test strip can only be inserted a particular wayand such that the connector of a cable can only be inserted in aparticular way. This ensures that the electrical connections used forthe test strip are not inadvertently connected to the power or computerport and that the power or computer connection is not connectedelectrically with the circuits that are designed to interact with a teststrip. Further, the port 406 may be configured such that the presence ofeither a test strip or a connector in the port 406 prevents,respectively, a connector or a test strip from being inserted into theport 406.

The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms withoutdeparting from its spirit or essential characteristics. The describedembodiments are to be considered in all respects only as illustrativeand not restrictive. The scope of the invention is, therefore, indicatedby the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description. Allchanges which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of theclaims are to be embraced within their scope.

1. A glucose monitoring system comprising: a continuous glucosemonitoring device comprising two electrical interface ports on theoutside of the device; and a cable to connect to a first of the twoports of the device; wherein connection of the cable to the first of thetwo ports of the device blocks the second of the two ports of thedevice.
 2. The system of claim 1, wherein the first of the two ports andthe second of the two ports are relatively positioned such that theconnection of the cable to the first of the two ports blocks the secondof the two ports.
 3. The system of claim 1, wherein the connection ofthe cable to the first of the two ports of the device blocks access of atest strip to the second of the two ports.
 4. The system of claim 1,wherein the cable comprises a connector to connect to the first of thetwo ports of the device.
 5. The system of claim 4, wherein the cablecomprises a shroud.
 6. The system of claim 5, wherein the shroud isconfigured to cover the second of the two ports when the cable isconnected to the device and the connector is connected to the first ofthe two ports.
 7. The system of claim 5, wherein the shroud includes araised barrier portion.
 8. The system of claim 5, wherein the shroudincludes a plug configured to block the second of the two ports of thedevice when the connector is connected to the first of the two ports. 9.The system of claim 8, wherein the plug extends laterally from theconnector.
 10. The system of claim 1, wherein one of the two portscomprises a computer port.
 11. The system of claim 1, wherein one of thetwo ports comprises a power source port.
 12. The system of claim 1,wherein one of the two ports comprises a test strip port.
 13. The systemof claim 1, wherein the continuous glucose monitoring device includes arechargeable battery.
 14. The system of claim 13, wherein one of the twoports comprises a recharging port to recharge the battery.
 15. Thesystem of claim 14, further comprising a computer to recharge thebattery when the device is connected to the computer via the rechargingport.